"Let the beauty you love be what you do" --Rumi
Can wearing a garnet necklace really give you more energy?
Will carrying certain gemstones bring abundance?
Like Feng Shui, crystal healing is based on the energy of objects in our environment. If you are open to the possibility that placing your bed in the right position can improve your life, then consider that working with certain gems or crystals may also bring about positive changes. A "new" ancient healing art gaining popularity is crystal healing. It has been used by Native Americans, Mayans, Aztecs, Celtics and other nature-based cultures for centuries.
Simply speaking, all things found in nature have an energy. Since crystals are formed inside the earth, they have their own energy, or vibrational pattern. This vibrational pattern, when brought into contact with the human vibrational pattern, will interact and produce healing. Furthermore, each crystalline system or structure has its own personality and properties that are unique: different stones will produce different types of healing. The theory is that the seven types of crystalline structures (cubic, rhombic, tetragonal, etc.) correspond with the seven energy centers of the body (chakras), and will interact with them accordingly. You can read more about the science of crystals and healing in Michael Gienger's book, Crystal Power, Crystal Healing.
How To Choose A Crystal
The key to choosing a crystal is finding one that resonates with your own energy pattern. Your best guide will be your intuition, which will draw you to the one with the size, shape and color just right for you. Physical beauty is not as important as it would be, say, in choosing fine jewelry. Inclusions and internal flaws are part of the personality of the stone and will not affect its healing ability. Crystals can be found polished into many different shapes or as rough specimens, sold as they are mined from the earth. Again, personal preference is the key and you will be connected to the right one for you. There are many ways to choose crystals and gemstones. One way to choose is simply by sight. Pick the one which appeals to you. If it catches your eye, it may be calling to you. Pass your hand over the tray or display. You may feel warmth or tingling when you come to the stone that is right for you. You can also hold the stone in the left hand (it doesn't matter if you are right- or left-handed). Close your palm around it and gently sense its subtle energy. Gemstone energy is sometimes delicate; you may not "feel" anything right away.
Stones can be large or small. And remember, they don't have to be expensive to be effective. Your sense or feeling about a stone is usually the best guide.
How To Use Gemstones
The lists of healing properties are helpful, but how does one actually use the gemstones? There are many ways: gemstone energy can be imperceptible and delicate, or so intense that just being in the same room can be powerful. The easiest way to benefit is to simply wear jewelry made from genuine stones. Beaded necklaces and bracelets can be a fun, fashionable way to keep their energy with you through the day. Another good way with small stones is to carry them in your pocket, or in a cloth or leather pouch. Touching them throughout the day serves as a reminder to stay calm and focused. You can also use stones around the house; placing them strategically in various rooms will enhance the flow of energy through your home. Use care when putting them on the windowsills, as some stones will fade in direct sunlight (amethyst, flourite, rose quartz, celestite will fade). Crystal healers will also place them around a client when doing energy work, and sometimes directly upon the chakras (energy centers) themselves. When you meditate, try holding a stone in your hand, or place it on the floor in front of you and gently focus on it. Another way to use gems is to place them under the pillow before going to bed at night. Amethysts will help enhance dreams while apophyllite will help to calm.
Chakras and their corresponding gemstones:
- Root: Agate, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Smokey Quartz.
- Sacral: Moonstone, Carnelian, Tourmaline, Fire Opal.
- Solar Plexus: Amber, Tiger's Eye, Citrine, Yellow Topaz, Agate.
- Heart: Emerald, Green Jade, Rose Quartz, Kunzite.
- Throat: Aquamarine, Turquoise, Chalcedony.
- Third Eye: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Indigo Sapphire, Opal.
- Crown: Amethyst, Crystal, Topaz, Alexandrite, Sapphire.
How To Clear Your Gemstones
Since crystals and gems tend to absorb the thoughts and energy patterns of those who have had close contact, it is important to clear them. According to Diane Stein, author of Healing with Gemstones and Crystals, "Crystals and healing gemstones should be cleared right after you purchase them. They also need to be cleared before and after using them for healing."
There Are Several Ways Of Clearing Crystals
- Place and cover in dry sea salt for 24 hours (use a glass container, no plastic).
- Run them under cold water for a few minutes.
- Blow gently on them while visualizing them clean and pure.
Light a sage bundle (used in Native American smudging ceremonies) and pass the crystals through the smoke.
These are all effective methods but there are others as well. Pascale Titley, from The Mystical Crystal, suggests using castile soap for quartz crystals. And remember to always be gentle since some stones are not as resilient as others.
Whether or not you are new to the world of crystals and gems or already use them in your life, it is important to get information from different sources. Go to local gem and mineral shows to talk with dealers; read and experiment on your own. In all the books you read, all the people you speak with, you will sometimes find conflicting opinions. Gemstone healing is gaining many followers and there are many approaches.What works for one person or healer may not work in the same way for another. Keep an open mind and open heart and you will always do well. Follow your intuition and inner guidance. Have fun exploring the wondrous world of Mother Nature's precious gifts.
By Catherine Russo Epstein